Planning to Sell Your Home in 2025? Here's How to Prep Your Space for the Market
If your to-do list for 2025 includes "sell this house," now is the time to start thinking about how to get your home market-ready. The housing market can be competitive, and making the right improvements before listing your home can significantly impact how quickly it sells and at what price.
As you prepare to make the leap, here’s a quick reminder: getting your house prepped for the market isn’t something you should leave until the last minute. Whether you’re planning to sell in the spring or later in the year, it’s never too early to start.
So, What Home Improvements Should You Be Focusing On?
You might be wondering, What kinds of improvements should I make to ensure my home stands out in a crowded market? While your real estate agent will be an invaluable resource for helping you identify the most important upgrades, here are some of the most common and effective improvements that sellers make to prepare their homes for sale:
Painting the Interior (46%)
One of the most cost-effective ways to freshen up your home and make it look more appealing is with a fresh coat of paint. A clean, neutral color palette can help buyers envision themselves in the space, and it can make your home feel brighter and more modern. Over 46% of sellers choose to repaint the interior before listing, and it’s one of the first improvements many buyers notice.Improving the Bathrooms (42%)
Bathrooms are a key selling point for many buyers, and small upgrades can go a long way. Whether it’s installing new fixtures, replacing old grout, or refreshing the cabinetry, 42% of sellers make improvements to their bathrooms. Simple updates can make your bathrooms feel more luxurious and functional.Upgrading the Kitchen (38%)
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and many buyers look for modern, updated spaces. Whether it’s upgrading appliances, replacing countertops, or simply giving cabinets a fresh coat of paint, 38% of sellers make improvements to the kitchen. Even small updates can drastically increase the perceived value of your home.Landscaping the Yard (35%)
First impressions matter, and curb appeal can play a significant role in how quickly your home sells. Landscaping the yard, adding some attractive plants, and maintaining the lawn can make your property stand out. 35% of sellers focus on outdoor improvements to create a welcoming, attractive entrance that draws buyers in.Replacing Carpet or Flooring (28%)
Old or worn flooring can be a turn-off for buyers, so it’s no surprise that many sellers opt to replace carpeting or hardwood. Whether it’s refreshing carpet or installing new hardwood, 28% of sellers choose to make flooring upgrades before listing. This can add both comfort and visual appeal to your home.Painting the Exterior (28%)
Just like the interior, the exterior of your home matters too. A freshly painted exterior can give your home a polished, well-maintained look that attracts potential buyers. 28% of sellers choose to paint the exterior of their homes, especially if the paint is worn or outdated.
Get Ahead of the Spring Market
Many sellers choose to list their homes in the spring, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to make improvements. The earlier you start prepping, the more time you’ll have to carefully plan and execute these updates. Plus, getting your home ready ahead of time can help ensure that you hit the market when competition is at its peak, giving you the best chance for a successful sale.
Need help getting started or unsure where to focus your efforts? The Justiz League Real Estate Team is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to start prepping your home for a successful sale!
Source:
National Association of Realtors (NAR), 2023 Remodeling Impact Report.
What is the Average Down Payment in the U.S.?— You Might Be Surprised!
When it comes to buying a home, one of the first questions many buyers have is: How much should I be putting down for a down payment? Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the typical down payment expectations can help you prepare better and feel more confident in your home buying journey.
The Average Down Payment Across the U.S.
Let’s start with the basics. Across the country, 60% of buyers are putting down more than 10% of the home’s purchase price. That's a sizable amount of money, especially considering how competitive the housing market can be. But here's the thing—this average includes all buyers, from first-timers to those purchasing their second or third home. And that’s where the numbers start to shift.
First-Time Homebuyers: What’s Realistic?
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’re likely wondering how much you should be saving for your down payment. The good news is that you may not need to put down as much as you think. On average, first-time homebuyers are putting down between 5% to 8% of the purchase price. This is a bit lower than the overall average and is often achievable with the help of first-time homebuyer programs, lower-interest loans, or down payment assistance programs that can make the homebuying process more accessible.
Repeat Buyers: Why the Larger Down Payments?
For repeat buyers, the scenario is a bit different. On average, repeat buyers are putting down 19% to 20% for their next home. Why such a significant difference? The main reason is that repeat buyers usually have existing equity from their current home that they can roll over into their new purchase. This accumulated equity allows them to put down a larger sum upfront, which can help them secure a better mortgage rate or avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
What Does This Mean for You?
These numbers can serve as a useful benchmark as you plan for your home purchase, but remember, they represent averages. Your specific down payment will depend on several factors, including the type of loan you qualify for, the price of the home, and your own financial situation.
The good news is that no matter where you fall in this spectrum, the Justiz League Team is here to help guide you every step of the way. We know that buying a home is a big decision, and we're committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge to make this process easier and more empowering.
If you have questions or need personalized advice on how to navigate your down payment or financing options, reach out today. We’re just one message away!
Source:
National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2023 Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers.
POV: You Didn’t Get the House—What’s Next?
Missing out on a home can be frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into finding "the one." But not getting an offer accepted is part of the journey in a competitive market like this one. In a low-inventory environment, multiple buyers are vying for the same properties, so it's common to go through a few rounds before you seal the deal.
Here’s where we turn that “no” into an opportunity by learning, strategizing, and adjusting our approach to make the next offer as strong as possible. By understanding what went into the winning offer, we can give ourselves the best chance next time. Let's look at a few key factors that often make the difference.
Reflecting on the Offer
A competitive offer goes beyond price alone, so here’s what we’ll consider as we look at our next steps:
Price Positioning: The winning bid was likely higher, and in many cases, an upfront strong offer can make the difference. If we’re comfortable going up slightly on price, it’s worth considering for our next round to avoid falling short at the final stage.
Favorable Terms: Sellers often value terms that show a serious commitment to closing. Could offering a larger earnest deposit or adjusting the closing timeline give us the edge? Sometimes, even a small change can make the difference between acceptance and another missed chance. We’ll look closely at what we can adjust here to appeal to sellers.
Current Market Trends: The real estate market in OKC has unique rhythms and demands. As your agent, I’ll keep you informed about shifting conditions or popular terms to make sure your next offer is aligned with what’s trending.
Moving Forward with Confidence and Flexibility
Getting a “no” on an offer is always disappointing, but it’s a valuable opportunity to sharpen our approach and gain more insight into what works in this market. We’ll strategize together to determine if it’s worth making adjustments, like a more flexible timeline or a higher price upfront, and use this knowledge to make each offer better than the last.
The Justiz League Real Estate Team is committed to helping you not only find your dream home but secure it as well. Ready to dive back into the market? Let’s use everything we’ve learned to strengthen our strategy, make an impression, and get you one step closer to the right home. Let’s talk about next steps and keep moving forward!
Is It Worth Moving Despite My Low Interest Rate?
With today’s low mortgage rates, many people feel tethered to their current homes, fearing that moving might mean giving up financial security. I hear this question all the time: “Is it ever worth it to leave behind my low interest rate?” The answer? It depends on your unique circumstances, but here are the top reasons I’ve seen clients decide to make the move:
1. Growing Family
A common catalyst for moving is the need for more space. As families expand, extra bedrooms, play areas, or a larger backyard may become priorities.
2. Career Changes
Whether it’s a new job, a job transfer, or the recent flexibility of remote work, career changes often spark the desire for a fresh start in a new place. If you’re now working remotely, moving could allow you to live in an area with a better lifestyle or lower cost of living.
3. Proximity to Family
Being closer to loved ones can add immeasurable value to daily life. Many people relocate to build stronger family connections, support aging relatives, or give their children more family interactions.
4. Seeking a Higher Quality of Life
Some people simply seek a lifestyle upgrade. Shorter commutes, access to parks, or less traffic can make a big difference in overall well-being. Whether it’s the lure of open space, peace and quiet, or easy access to nature, the right location can enhance life in ways that go beyond finances.
5. Downsizing or Retiring
For those nearing retirement or wanting a home with less upkeep, a move can offer relief from high-maintenance properties and potentially unlock equity tied up in their current homes.
Ask Yourself:
If any of these reasons resonate, consider what benefits a move could bring. A new home or location might offer both tangible and intangible value—whether it’s extra space, a shorter commute, or a stronger support network.
Ultimately, deciding to move involves weighing these personal benefits against the cost of giving up your low rate. If you’re unsure, talking to a local real estate expert can provide valuable insights into the current market and help you make an informed decision.
Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk! Connect with the Justiz League Real Estate Team for expert guidance tailored to your needs.
One Chart Explains Why Housing Affordability is Under Pressure
Housing affordability continues to be a hot topic, and one chart captures exactly why. Whether you’re a homeowner thinking of selling, a buyer considering a new home, or an investor looking at the real estate landscape, understanding these pressures is key to making informed moves in today’s market.
The Chart That Sums It Up
The chart we’re discussing today highlights the core issue: rising mortgage rates and home prices have created a squeeze on affordability. On one side, we have mortgage rates—climbing in the wake of Federal Reserve rate hikes designed to combat inflation. On the other side, home prices have held strong due to low inventory, intensified by a significant drop in new listings and a reluctance among homeowners to sell and relinquish their low mortgage rates. The result is a complex tug-of-war, with prospective buyers finding it harder to afford homes, even with steady income levels.
Persistent Demand and Limited Supply
Here’s the catch: despite these affordability pressures, demand has not disappeared. Many buyers, particularly those relocating for work or life changes, still need housing. Investors, too, are eyeing properties as rental demand surges in response to high mortgage rates. However, the low supply of available homes keeps prices high, leading to competitive buying situations in many regions, including Oklahoma. With each step-up in mortgage rates, affordability is strained, creating a challenging landscape for all involved.
How This Impacts Your Next Move
So, how do you respond to this market environment?
Sellers: You’re in a unique position. While affordability might limit the number of buyers, high demand and low supply mean your home could attract significant interest. Pricing strategically and presenting your home in its best light can help capture motivated buyers willing to navigate today’s rates.
Buyers: While it may feel challenging, there are still pathways to success. Work with a knowledgeable agent who can help identify hidden opportunities, negotiate effectively, and possibly access alternative financing options that make homeownership viable.
Investors: This is an opportunity to build a portfolio. With rental demand strong, properties may yield attractive returns over time, especially as rates eventually stabilize.
The takeaway is that this market demands strategy and awareness. Stay informed, work with professionals who understand these pressures, and don’t let the affordability headlines deter you. There are ways to navigate—and even thrive—in this dynamic real estate landscape.
At Justiz League Real Estate, we’re committed to guiding you through these shifts. For a closer look at what’s driving these numbers, check out the full analysis from ResiClub Analytics here.